1984 (P) Lincoln Memorial Cent - SKH-1c-1984-04 Spike Head

Description

Notable for exhibiting reverse die cracks in addition to the obverse spike, SKH-1c-1984-04 on the 1984 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent is a multi-feature variety that documents deterioration on both faces of the die pair. The reverse die cracks — highlighted in Cuds on Coins reference photographs as diagnostic markers — indicate that the reverse die was also accumulating fatigue damage contemporaneously with the obverse die's spiked head fracture. This dual deterioration is not surprising given that both dies in a pair endure the same number of striking cycles, but having it documented through visible cracks on both sides enriches the variety's diagnostic profile. The obverse spike itself follows the established pattern: a die crack radiating from Lincoln's portrait recess into the surrounding field, caused by stress concentration at the deep design cavity's perimeter. Cataloged on March 20, 2019, SKH-04 is the fourth spiked head for 1984-P, arriving roughly five months after SKH-03 and continuing the incremental expansion of the census.

Cross References

• Cross reference: none. 03/20/2019.

External References